Health Fact Corner from the Saint James Health Ministry:

Crystal Richburg Oliver, Ministry Leader

Did you Know World Aids Day is in December?

The Worlds Aids Day campaign for 2018 to end isolation, stigma, and HIV transmission through transparency, accountability, and partnerships is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite against HIV, show support of people living with HIV, and to commemorate people who have died.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus the body cannot get rid of.  It is a virus acquired for life, even with treatment.  The HIV virus attacks the body’s immune system that helps to fight off infections.  HIV can be controlled with antiretroviral therapy (ART) and proper medical care, stopping the progression.

Today the life expectancy of someone diagnosed with HIV, that’s treated before the advanced stage can live as long as someone that doesn’t have HIV.  The only way to know whether or not you have HIV is to get tested.  The recommended testing age from the Center of Disease Control is 13-64 years of age, during your routine health care visit, unless high-risk activities are performed.

Testing options in your area by your local health departments or National STD/HIV/Aids Hotline: 800-342-2437.

Standard Blood Test

Rapid HIV Antibody Tests (results within 5-6 minutes) = blood test will need a follow up specific test

Home Testing kit: Standard blood collection at home mailed to a laboratory, can be obtained in drug stores, costing $30=$45, with phone-in results

Occasionally, infections can be detected within 3 months if that’s the last time you were potentially exposed to the HIV virus.

Symptoms resemble flu-like signs: Fever, Fatigue, Tiredness, Skin Lesions, Headache, and Muscle Aches.

Treatment can include:

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) History of HIV negative or if you don’t know your HIV status but you were exposed within the last 72 hours.

PREP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) Very High Risk for HIV, HIV meds lower your chance of getting infected.